"Talent is not bad..."
"But that's all."
After so many eras of reincarnation, it seemed that this person had only reached the Golden Core realm.
Repeatedly dying in the calamities of the Crimson Flame Sea.
It seems that his achievements are destined to be limited, not a true genius.
Looking at Wei Qizheng's grateful gaze and clasped fists, Ji Shaoli nodded slightly in return, but he thought so in his heart.
However...
Ji Shaoli did not expect.
Even his ruthless discerning eyes from a hundred eras could have times when he made a mistake!
Seven days after the end of the grand examination.
The time for the announcement of the results was getting closer.
People on Haixuan Island gradually became uneasy from their initial confidence.
No more laughter.
Everyone looked serious.
Some couldn't bear it, walking around to relieve the pressure.
At this moment, Wei Qizheng suddenly showed a surprised expression, took out his communication talisman, and checked it.
No one knew what message he received.
The next moment, he suddenly stood up, his face full of disbelief.
Even his body trembled slightly with excitement.
This abnormality immediately attracted the attention of the cultivators present.
A thought involuntarily flashed in their minds.
"Impossible, right?"
Seeing the shocked and suspicious eyes around him, Wei Qizheng took a deep breath. "The Lord of the City has ordered me to go to the Political Affairs Hall immediately."
"It's about..."
"The matter of selecting the thirty-three Immortal Candidates."
A deathly silence filled the hall.
The expressions on everyone's faces froze because of this absurd event.
Even Ji Shaoli's face suddenly stiffened.
All eyes focused on him, and the expressions in their eyes were extremely complicated.
Wei Qizheng felt a rush of blood at that moment and seemed a bit dizzy.
Although it was only the first selection of the thirty-three Immortal Candidates, and the final list of candidates had not been determined yet.
But to be selected from countless cultivators...
This itself was proof of ability!
At this moment, Wei Qizheng just wanted to let out a long roar to express the relief in his heart.
However, he quickly seemed to think of something.
His expression changed, and the pride disappeared.
He just looked a bit lost.
And anxious.
"Friend Ji..."
He looked at Ji Shaoli with a plea for help, and weakly asked, "Is your [Only One Hand Conceals the Sky] technique really effective?"
Yes, Wei Qizheng reacted.
Although he received the notice for the preliminary selection...
But he knew the exam questions in advance and cheated!
If it was just an ordinary state position, it would be fine.
Now, what he has to face is the selection of the thirty-three Immortal Candidates that has attracted attention from top to bottom of the Wanxian Alliance!
Selecting hopeful seeds to confront the Five Elders requires strict scrutiny!
Wei Qizheng can almost imagine the future scene.
Seven or eight Immortal Venerables surround him.
Every bit of his sea of consciousness is scrutinized meticulously...
Even with a good temperament, Wei Qizheng's hands and feet feel a bit cold at this moment.
If cheating is discovered, it's a small matter to be killed on the spot.
But he's afraid that he will be declared to the world and stink for ten thousand years!
The more he thinks about it, the more guilty Wei Qizheng feels.
"Friend Ji?" His voice trembles a bit, asking again.
At this moment, Ji Shaoli just recovered from his astonishment.
Looking at Wei Qizheng, whose face changed suddenly in a short time, Ji Shaoli suddenly guessed what the other party was thinking.
He immediately reassured, "You don't have to worry. Our mutual aid secret technique has never failed."
"But..."
"If you're really not at ease, I can help you again! Follow me!"
As if grabbing a lifesaving straw, Wei Qizheng didn't hesitate and followed Ji Shaoli into the secret room.
"Stay here and meditate with your soul. Empty your mind and eliminate all distractions," Ji Shaoli instructed.
Wei Qizheng nodded and followed the instructions.
Soon, his anxious heart became calm.
Ji Shaoli nodded secretly.
Then he waited patiently.
As for what he was waiting for...
Naturally, it was the storage ring that Lin Ling urgently delivered.
With the surging power of the earth veins, Lin Ling arrived with Li Fan in just a moment, personally bringing them to Haixuan Island.
Without alerting other cultivators on the island.
The moment they arrived in the secret room, Lin Ling knocked Wei Qizheng unconscious.
Li Fan, both the main body and the clone, carefully examined Wei Qizheng's body.
After a while, he shook his head slightly, "Strange. It's not any special physique."
"Although the talent for cultivation is outstanding, it is still limited to a state. Compared with the true geniuses of the Xuanhuang Realm, there is still a considerable gap."
"Why was he selected by the Wanxian Alliance?"
Li Fan was somewhat puzzled.
But regardless of his confusion, it did not affect his actions.
He pressed the ever-changing, green, real and tempting fruit against Wei Qizheng's eyebrow.
In just a moment, as the fruit completely dissipated, this fruit that could control Immortal Dao cultivators was wasted on Wei Qizheng, who had only built the foundation!
Li Fan felt no remorse.
Although it was only a slim possibility, he took the gamble!
If Wei Qizheng really manages to pass the selection, then knowing the truth of the thirty-three Immortal Candidate plan through him would be absolutely worth it!
If he unfortunately fails...
Li Fan's expression became somewhat dangerous.
Then he could only let him work for a lifetime to repay it.
"Relying solely on this True Temptation Fruit is not enough."
Li Fan's gaze flickered.
In his sea of consciousness, the Final Dissociation Disc emitted a translucent white light.
In an instant, it appeared in Li Fan's hand.
Li Fan took a deep breath and, after setting up an array around it in an instant, used his fingers as a sword to slash down.
In a slight tremor, a thin layer was cut from the Final Dissociation Disc.
As if greatly damaged, the Final Dissociation Disc instantly dimmed.
It looked somewhat listless.
Seeing this, Li Fan felt a bit distressed.
Quickly, he withdrew it to nurture it in his sea of consciousness.
"After all, it's not the Final Stone Plate, just a disk cut and merged with the Dissociation Disc."
"Although it inherits some characteristics that can be cut and separated, cutting even once is damaging."
"You kid, you better not disappoint me."
Li Fan carefully implanted the fragile Final Dissociation Disc, like a thin wing, into Wei Qizheng's sea of consciousness.
After completing all this, led by Lin Ling, he quietly left the secret room.
Only the clone Ji Shaoli remained, standing quietly and waiting.
Not long after, Wei Qizheng gradually woke up.
First, he was a bit confused.
Then, seeing Ji Shaoli beside him with a somewhat pale face, many scenes suddenly appeared in his mind.
"Thank you, Brother Ji."
"For such great kindness, I, Wei, will never forget it!"
Wei Qizheng expressed his gratitude sincerely.
Ji Shaoli waved his hand, "We are all members of the Mutual Aid Association, naturally, we should help each other."
"It has been a long time since the Lord summoned you. You should go."
"Rest assured, with our Mutual Aid Association secret technique, even if the Transcendent Heaven Sovereign takes action, he won't discover the secrets in your mind!"
The tone was grand, but Wei Qizheng believed it without a doubt.
He nodded heavily.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 852: Personal Fate
"Let's go."
Ji Shaoli patted Wei Qizheng's shoulder, showing an encouraging look.
After leaving the secret room, everyone saw Wei Qizheng, who seemed like a completely different person. They couldn't help but marvel at what Ji Shaoli had done to dispel all his previous unease and nervousness.
Instead, confidence was now brimming.
Ji Shaoli and Wei Qizheng didn't explain anything.
"Everyone, the Lord is still waiting. I'll go ahead." Wei Qizheng saluted.
"Then, congratulations in advance on your success, Brother Wei!"
"Wei Junior, don't forget us when you become rich and noble!"
At this moment, everyone's attitude towards Wei Qizheng had completely changed, and they quickly reciprocated the courtesy.
Wei Qizheng nodded slightly and left the Haixuan Island through the teleportation array.
Watching his gradually disappearing figure, He Zhenghao sighed with a bit of pride, "I saw early on that Brother Wei is extraordinary and will surely achieve greatness. I didn't expect it to happen so quickly! It's not in vain that I took care of him before."
"It's really frustrating. We've been preparing for over a year, and we can't compare to his last-minute preparations! Ah..."
"Hiss. If Wei Daojun really becomes one of the Thirty-Three Immortal Candidates and ascends to the Harmonious Path in the future, does that mean I can also become brothers with the Harmonious Path Immortal Venerable? He won't turn his back on me then, right?"
...
Various reactions from the crowd.
But generally, envy and jealousy were hard to hide.
Only Ji Shaoli's eyes flickered.
The Thirty-Three Immortal Candidates selection plan, organized so grandly by the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, was naturally highly valued.
To be cautious, he didn't try to set up any killing intent on Wei Qizheng. Even the separated piece of the Final Dissociation Disc was an independent entity without any connection to the mother body in his sea of consciousness.
It only silently recorded everything around it, and only when it was completely destroyed would it transmit the collected information.
Being so cautious was to prevent Wei Qizheng from being detected.
For some reason, Ji Shaoli had a vague premonition in his heart.
Wei Qizheng might very well successfully become one of the Thirty-Three Immortal Candidates this time, but at the same time, it might be a long time before they could meet again.
Wei Qizheng's summons to the headquarters of the Immortal Alliance was not known to many cultivators in the Congyun Sea.
He left without a sound.
On the third day after he left, which was the tenth day after the end of the examination, the results were announced.
Some were happy, some were worried.
However, on Haixuan Island, there was joy and laughter.
"Six people applied, and all six passed! If this gets out, it will definitely cause a sensation!"
"Haha, now those who didn't join our Mutual Aid Association before will surely regret it!"
Amidst the excitement, He Zhenghao suddenly frowned, expressing his worries, "What if jealous people report us? What should we do?"
This statement instantly quieted the atmosphere.
"It shouldn't... right?"
Everyone's eyes flashed with a hint of worry.
"Hehe, what are you afraid of? The so-called righteous people fear no slander!" At this moment, Ji Shaoli said solemnly.
"It's just betting on the right questions! There are countless organizations in the entire Immortal Alliance specializing in studying the examination, and adding one more like us won't make a difference." Ji Shaoli was righteous.
He Zhenghao and others were slightly stunned.
However, Ji Shaoli continued with a cold snort, "Moreover, who can report us? Leaking exam questions is a capital crime. Without solid evidence, who dares to speak nonsense!"
"If there really are some ignorant people..."
"Who knows who will die first!"
These words were tough, making everyone think and gradually dispelling their worries.
"Alright, let's not mention these ominous matters. Now that you have passed the exam, what are your thoughts on where you want to work in the future?"
When signing up for the exam, there would be preliminary intentions for regions and positions.
But the specific positions would still be decided by the Immortal Alliance headquarters.
Chapter 853: Assignment and Intentions
The assignment of positions was determined based on factors such as the cultivator's origin, cultivation level, and potential.
In principle, most cultivators were assigned locally, while elites were occasionally selected to go to the Immortal Alliance headquarters.
However, there were occasional special cases, like He Zhenghao. Despite being able to secure a position in Tianyu Province, he was assigned to the remote Congyun Sea due to the suppression from the Heng family.
For most cultivators, the assignment of positions was usually appointed.
However, for those with backgrounds and connections, it was an opportunity to maximize their own interests.
Although most were satisfied with passing the exam, Ji Shaoli's words hinted at further possibilities.
As a result, everyone became somewhat intrigued.
They secretly messaged Ji Shaoli.
Only He Zhenghao hesitated.
"He Dao Friend, what do you think?" Ji Shaoli asked with a smile.
After a moment of hesitation, He Zhenghao finally answered, "If possible, I would like to go to Tianyun Province. Tianquan Province is also acceptable."
Neither were Tianyu Province, but both were very close.
Ji Shaoli instantly understood He Zhenghao's thoughts.
After pondering for a moment, he looked at everyone and said, "This exam is special. I can't guarantee the final results, and it depends on your own destiny."
"Success or failure depends on your efforts!"
Everyone understood and thanked Ji Shaoli again.
"Before the final assignment results are out, use this time to practice diligently. If your cultivation level can advance, things will be different."
He Zhenghao and the others nodded.
With expectations, they began practicing more earnestly than ever.
Meanwhile, Ji Shaoli began a financial offensive, attempting to insert himself into the Immortal Alliance's inland regions.
Congyun Sea was destined for destruction, and staying here had no future.
As for the matters of the separated clones communicating through Jing Xuan, God Oracle Zi, Huangfu Song, and others to try to open channels, it was temporarily skipped.
With the end of the exam, the attention of the Immortal Alliance cultivators shifted to the biggest winners of this exam—the cultivators who passed the initial screening and went to the Immortal Alliance headquarters for the final selection of the Thirty-Three Immortal Candidates.
After all, attaining the position of Harmonious Path Immortal Venerable...
Such influence couldn't be compared to ordinary positions in the Immortal Alliance.
Those who were lucky enough to be selected, their names, detailed information, and a list of more than 300 cultivators were quickly compiled and spread among the cultivators.
After studying the list, it was found that there was no commonality.
The cultivation levels of the more than 300 selected cultivators varied. They ranged from Foundation Establishment to Nascent Soul, encompassing various realms.
From lonely and destitute cultivators without backgrounds to the core disciples of prominent families, all were included.
The selection criteria of the Immortal Alliance seemed somewhat perplexing.
At this moment, Li Fan also held this list in his hands and studied it.
"Hmm, no Shuofeng."
"And none of the names of those true Immortal Alliance high-ranking descendants from previous lives."
"..."
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 853: Branching Out the Immortal Alliance (Seeking Monthly Votes!)
"No one should miss this rare opportunity to elevate the clan disciples."
"Could it be truly impartial and fair?"
A hint of doubt flashed in Li Fan's mind.
However, from his understanding of the Immortal Alliance, things might not be so simple.
"Let's consider it from a different perspective."
"Perhaps these so-called thirty-three immortal candidates are not a good thing. That's why those from the major clans deliberately avoided them."
Li Fan's eyes flickered.
This speculation coincidentally matched his premonition about Wei Qi's fate.
"Thirty-three Dao Unity, without the emergence of the Heavenly Venerable, can definitely be considered a force that can influence the overall situation."
"What does the Immortal Alliance want to achieve?"
Li Fan couldn't help but become interested.
From the information currently available, it seemed that the Transmission Law might have temporarily left the Profound Yellow Realm for some reason.
However, it left behind the Dao Mind.
Only when a [chaos] occurs or when the Profound Yellow Realm is on the verge of destruction would they rush back.
On the surface, the Immortal Alliance and the Five Elders seem evenly matched.
In reality, without the restriction of the Transmission Law Venerable, they are at a significant disadvantage against the Five Elders, who have five Transcendent Realm powerhouses.
"Similar to the 114th generation trying to create the Profound Network to resist the Heavenly Venerable."
"The thirty-three immortal candidates of this generation must also be related to [creating a force capable of resisting the Transcendent Realm]." A hint of realization flashed in Li Fan's mind.
"Both sides have made their moves; it remains to be seen how this game will play out!"
Earlier, the Five Elders had tried to contact him again.
However, Li Fan ignored them all.
The resources obtained from the Five Elders were temporarily sufficient.
Li Fan decided to observe the situation's development before making the next plan.
He firmly memorized the information of over three hundred cultivators on the list in his hand.
Then, he crushed the list and once again enveloped the Five Elements Great Celestial Hole with his Dao Mind.
At this moment, he had successfully advanced to the Golden Core Perfection.
The process of devouring the Five Elements Great Celestial Hole officially began.
The roots formed by the essence of heaven and earth extended through the intermittent gaps between the celestial holes, infiltrating each attribute celestial hole and temporarily lying dormant.
The Five Elements Great Celestial Hole was too vast, and Li Fan needed to accumulate strength first, cultivating enough roots of the essence of heaven and earth.
Only then could he swallow the celestial holes in one fell swoop.
There were no shortcuts; only gradual progress.
The only fortunate thing was that the Five Elements Great Celestial Hole had not yet given birth to a consciousness similar to the Heavenly Dao.
Even its instinctive resistance mechanism was very weak.
So, Li Fan's invasion was exceptionally smooth.
In the diverse celestial holes of the five attributes, densely packed roots spread like apocalyptic dark clouds, slowly expanding.
Time passed.
The millions of contribution points smashed out by the clone Ji Shao Li were indeed not in vain.
On the day when the final appointment was announced, a joyful atmosphere once again filled Haixuan Island.
"Tianyunzhou, Strategy Hall."
He Zhenghao's heart was inexplicably excited, with countless thoughts swirling in his mind. Although he was just a low-ranking employed formation mage, Tianyunzhou was at the central core of the Immortal Alliance. Whether in terms of treatment or future prospects, it couldn't be compared to guarding the Congyun Sea.
"The decision to join the Congyun Sea Mutual Aid Society that day was the best decision I've ever made in my life."
"Even though it's just a small step, I've finally taken it! One day, I'll return to Tianyu Zhou in glory!"
"If only..."
Just as He Zhenghao's emotions were surging, the figure of Ji Shaoli appeared again before everyone.
Knowing that Ji Shaoli must have contributed significantly during the assignment of positions, everyone quickly saluted, expressing their gratitude.
"Hehe, we're all one family, no need to be polite." Ji Shaoli waved his hand.
"However..."
He then changed the topic, "Since you all are going to leave the Congyun Sea soon, there are some things I don't need to hide anymore."
The crowd's hearts tightened, realizing that the mysterious mutual aid society was about to reveal its secrets. They listened attentively.
"The Congyun Sea Mutual Aid Society is just a small branch of the Profound Yellow Mutual Aid Society in the Congyun Sea region."
"Our society's influence extends throughout the Profound Yellow Realm. So even if you go elsewhere, you don't have to worry about losing the organization."
Everyone had expected this.
After all, how could a small regional organization have early access to the questions of the major examination?
Ji Shaoli's gaze swept across everyone, and seeing their calm expressions, he nodded in satisfaction.
"But I need to explain that the mutual aid societies in each state still have some competitive relations. Since you all joined from here, for the next ten years, your identity within the organization will still belong to the Congyun Sea branch."
"For this reason, the leaders of other regions will not contact you temporarily. Until the expiration, I will still be responsible for coordinating with you."
"Although it's a bit troublesome, it's necessary to prevent malicious competition," Ji Shaoli explained slowly.
The crowd didn't show any unusual reactions to this announcement.
Only one cultivator named Yu Hongjian, a Golden Core cultivator, couldn't help but ask, "Friend Ji, I wonder, what is the original intention of establishing this mutual aid society? Surely it's not just about helping each other, right?"
Since this question was raised, everyone's eyes revealed the same doubts.
"Yeah. Since joining, we have always received help from the organization without contributing anything in return..."
"It's a bit unsettling," Yu Hongjian weakly expressed.
Ji Shaoli smiled faintly, "Don't worry. Your strength is still too weak now. Just focus on cultivating. There will be a day when the organization needs you."
Even though Ji Shaoli only had the cultivation of a Golden Core, no one present disagreed with his statement of "your strength is too weak."
After all, everyone here had seen cultivators who were vaguely Transcendent Realm powerhouses, and they all showed utmost respect in front of Ji Shaoli.
Clearly, Ji Shaoli was not as simple as he seemed on the surface.
Similarly, Ji Shaoli's words, seemingly soothing, actually made them more uncertain.
Everyone knew there's no such thing as a free lunch. The help the mutual aid society provided them was almost like rebuilding their lives.
"Although there hasn't been any assigned tasks so far, if one day the mutual aid society needs their 'help'..."
The group subtly exchanged glances, realizing there was no turning back at this point.
They suppressed the unease in their hearts, not daring to reveal the slightest hint.
They discussed and pondered the potential scrutiny they might face when taking office.
As time passed, within ten days, the five individuals bid farewell and left for their respective states to take up their positions.
At that moment, Haixuan Island became somewhat deserted.
Ji Shaoli, on the other hand, looked at a piece of news with a somewhat surprised expression.
He had been keeping an eye on Zhong Shentong, and unexpectedly, Zhong Shentong had inexplicably made a breakthrough.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 854: Experienced Fisherman
Zhong Shentong, with his dazzling Seven-Colored Divine Light, was considered invincible in the same realm. He could even exhaust Senior Brother Zhang, who was in the same realm. The "Life and Death Profound Art" he cultivated was an extremely mystical technique. It was said that when practiced to the deepest level, it could achieve a marvelous state of simultaneous life and death, achieving a unique form of immortality.
Practicing this technique could awaken and infinitely magnify the innate fear of life and death in cultivators. Even a laid-back cultivator like Zhong Shentong became extremely active when faced with the threat of death.
"According to the original historical trajectory, Zhong Shentong wouldn't have broken through until the end of his lifespan."
"But now, he has advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage early..."
"What happened?"
The period of severe mutation of the Immortal and Mortal Miasma had already passed, and it could be confirmed that Zhong Shentong did not break through due to this reason.
Li Fan suddenly became interested. However, since he was still in the process of devouring the Five Elements Great Celestial Hole, he couldn't spare the time. This observation of Zhong Shentong would have to be done by his clone, Ji Shaoli.
"He has just broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage and hasn't had time to comprehend the Seven-Colored Divine Light. My Golden Core-level cultivation should be enough to handle him..."
"It shouldn't be a problem," Ji Shaoli thought to himself.
However, just to be safe, the clone made ample preparations. At the Foundation Establishment to Nascent Soul stage, with sufficient contributions to arm oneself, it was enough to ignore the disparity in cultivation and crush the opponent.
Not to mention that Ji Shaoli's cultivation level was currently higher than Zhong Shentong's. Therefore, Ji Shaoli wasn't overly concerned.
According to intelligence, Ji Shaoli used a teleportation array to arrive at the northwest border of Yongyunzhou, at a desolate small mountain.
On the mountain, there was a slightly dilapidated small temple where Zhong Shentong resided.
"Originally, Zhong Shentong was just an ordinary old man. Although he obtained half a volume of the 'Life and Death Profound Art' by chance, he failed to make progress in his cultivation. It wasn't until his lifespan was about to end that he broke through the restraints under tremendous pressure and successfully entered the Foundation Establishment stage."
"After the Foundation Establishment stage, his motivation for cultivation waned. He only spent the rest of his life in this small temple."
"He was supposed to break through again when the end of his lifespan approached. But now, it happened prematurely..."
"What kind of Foundation Establishment magical artifact does he have?"
Ji Shaoli didn't reveal his figure but instead concealed his aura, observing from afar.
In the small temple, besides Zhong Shentong, there was also a disciple, a child of about eight or nine years old. Oddly enough, tasks such as cleaning and cooking, which could easily be handled with spells, were done manually by this child.
The child was very cute, with a pair of big eyes that seemed to speak, bright and lively. However, he worked diligently, performing tasks with great skill. Despite appearances, he didn't behave like a child.
While the child efficiently handled everything in the temple, Zhong Shentong, on the other hand, sat by a pond in the backyard, fishing.
Despite the child calling out several times, Zhong Shentong paid no attention until the prepared meal was brought in front of him.
"Master, it's time to eat." The child's voice was sweet and childish.
"Hush, don't scare away my fish," Zhong Shentong said lazily.
The child pouted and started eating on his own.
After waiting until the child almost finished eating, Zhong Shentong showed a hint of excitement, "It's hooked!"
He pulled the fishing rod, but instead of catching a fish, a green light appeared.
Zhong Shentong looked disappointed, but he still reached into the green light and searched for a while.
Soon, he pulled out what seemed to be a rusty round disk from it.
After inspecting it, Zhong Shentong shook his head slightly and threw it to the child.
"Fire disk, capable of releasing bright flames. You won't need charms for making fire in the future." Zhong Shentong casually said.
After putting away the fishing rod, he devoured the food.
After reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, there was no need to eat like ordinary people. However, Zhong Shentong seemed to enjoy it greatly.
In just a short time, all the food on the table was swept away.
"I'll take a nap, and unless it's extremely urgent, don't disturb me." Zhong Shentong got up, humming a tune, and instructed lazily.
"Got it, got it," the child responded helplessly.
When the sound of snoring echoed from the temple, the child finished cleaning up the kitchen waste and returned to the pond.
Taking out a fishing rod from somewhere, the child mimicked Zhong Shentong, trying to fish like him.
However, after a long time, there was still no movement.
The child couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed. "Master said that only those with a sincere heart can catch treasures from this pond. I've tried for many years, but I've never caught anything."
Chapter 855: Stubbornly Fishing
"Hateful..." She stubbornly cast her fishing rod again.
The result remained the same, the top of the fishing rod still empty.
The child reluctantly accepted his fate and left the pond with a dejected look.
Not long after, Ji Shaoli slowly revealed his figure.
"Interesting." He stared at the pond not far away with an inexplicable expression.
After setting up a concealing barrier around, he carefully examined this small pond.
With his spiritual sense, it was indeed just an ordinary body of water.
No deeper than ten feet, and its length and width were no more than three yards.
The scene inside the pond was also completely visible.
Apart from some floating debris, there were no fish living in it.
If Ji Shaoli hadn't witnessed Zhong Shentong fishing a green light from the pond just now, he would almost have been deceived.
Since there was nothing mysterious, Ji Shaoli decided to personally fly into it, trying to find the secret of this pond.
However...
After entering the water, it was still no different from ordinary pond water!
Returning to the shore, Ji Shaoli pondered for a moment, took out materials from his storage ring, and crafted a fishing rod.
Imitating the actions of the master and disciple, he started fishing.
Sitting by the water, he focused his breath.
He cast the rod!
But still, there was no change.
Ji Shaoli sat motionless for a long time, feeling something was wrong, and put away the fishing rod.
"There is obviously something mysterious about this pond, but it can only be seen and not touched..."
"Could it be that this pond only recognizes Zhong Shentong?"
After contemplating for a while, Ji Shaoli rejected this speculation.
If that were the case, the child wouldn't have tried it.
"Sincere heart..."
"How can one truly be considered sincere?"
Fishing was not unfamiliar to Ji Shaoli.
Whether it was before crossing over or during the years when he served as the Grand Tutor in Daxuan.
Whenever he felt troubled, he would go fishing.
With an unwavering belief, he would only return once the fish was caught.
However, since he started cultivating, he hadn't engaged in this relaxing activity.
"Sincere heart..."
Ji Shaoli seemed to have an insight.
This time, he sat by the pond again.
No longer thinking about unraveling the secret of the pond.
Just wanting to, purely, catch a fish!
"Hoo!"
Ji Shaoli's expression became solemn, and he cast the fishing rod vigorously.
The next moment, the scene in front of him suddenly changed!
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 855: Fishing in the Starry Sky
What he saw in front of him was no longer a small pond.
Instead, it was like a vast expanse of stars!
Countless dazzling light clusters concealed within.
From the images that flashed by, Ji Shaoli could vaguely see scenes of exotic beasts, magical treasures, and even battles between cultivators!
And Ji Shaoli, sitting on top of this starry sky.
He lowered a thread!
Those innumerable light clusters were like fish in the pond.
At first, they were surprised and instinctively fled.
Then, some became curious and approached slowly.
These light clusters were divided into different colors: white, green, blue, purple, orange, and more.
White light clusters had almost no special aura.
From green to orange, the pressure carried by the light clusters gradually increased.
Even the golden and purple-gold light clusters passing through the starry sea exuded an aura that astonished Ji Shaoli, who had seen the remains of the Eternal Heaven Taoist and True Immortals.
"What on earth is this..."
Even though he had experienced countless scenes over many lifetimes.
The scene unfolding before Ji Shaoli instantly left him in a daze.
In the midst of intense shock, his mental state collapsed.
In an instant, he withdrew from the state of fishing in the starry sky!
The starlight disappeared, leaving only an ordinary small pond in front of him.
"This..."
Ji Shaoli subconsciously clenched his fists and took a deep breath.
With his exceptionally high perspective, he realized that he might have found something extraordinary!
Given his temperament, it took a long time for him to completely calm his emotions.
With the mindset of a pure angler, Ji Shaoli cast the rod again!
However...
There was no change in the scene before him.
Ji Shaoli tightened the fishing rod, thought for a moment, and recalled that Zhong Shentong and his disciple only cast the rod once.
"It seems there is a limit to the number of attempts within a certain time interval."
Feeling a bit regretful, he put away the fishing rod and removed the concealing barrier.
He lurked from a distance, observing and spying once again.
Inside the small temple, the master and disciple seemed to live a monotonous life.
Every day was spent in ordinary activities like eating, resting, and fishing.
When Zhong Shentong fished again, he only caught a white light cluster and returned disappointed.
After the disciple gained nothing again.
Finally, it was Ji Shaoli's turn.
Taking a deep breath, as an experienced fisherman, he adjusted his mindset to the best state.
Then he cast the rod!
In an instant, Ji Shaoli returned to the endless starry sky!
Not the first time seeing this magnificent scene, he had become accustomed to it.
This time, he managed to maintain the state of fishing in the starry sky.
"Fishing requires bait. What do I need to catch these light clusters?"
Watching most light clusters quickly move away, leaving only a large empty area, Ji Shaoli couldn't help but ponder.
It was obvious that this place was not within the boundaries of the Xuanhuang Realm.
Instead, it formed a separate space.
With only a bare fishing rod, Ji Shaoli's figure was merely a simple representation.
Naturally, there was no question of adding bait to the fishing rod.
"Could it be that it's merely a matter of those who are willing to be caught?" Ji Shaoli couldn't help but think.
Because he noticed that as time passed.
As if those light clusters were accustomed to his fishing line, they gradually began to approach.
Some were even attracted, curiously touching it.
When a white light cluster got too close and was instantly stuck to the fishing line.
Ji Shaoli only felt the fishing rod sink.
Then, involuntarily and subconsciously, he lifted it.
He just had an additional white light sphere in his hand.
Inside this light sphere, it seemed like a separate world that his divine sense couldn't penetrate.
Learning from Zhong Shentong's previous actions, Ji Shaoli reached out his hand, groping for a moment.
Finally, after extracting a dark green stone, the light sphere slowly dissipated.
"This is..."
Now Ji Shaoli could be considered experienced.
However, upon closer inspection, he found that he had never seen a mineral with this texture in his hand! "Either it's an extremely rare variety, or..."
"Not from the Xuanhuang Realm!"
"The white light sphere should be the lowest-grade item in the starry sky. It shouldn't be so precious that I've never heard of it."
"So, my speculation might be correct."
Ji Shaoli's eyes flickered.
This fishing pond should be an unparalleled treasure from other cultivation realms.
It might even be an immortal tool from the immortal realm!
In the 115th life, at the end of his life, Li Fan, who reached the Immortal Realm with the help of the Medicine King True Cauldron, had once seen a true immortal's remains.
Therefore, he had felt the might of an immortal.
However, at this moment, from the endless starry sky within this fishing pond, he once again felt the aura of power equivalent to that of a true immortal!
And not just a strand! Those swiftly passing purple-gold and dark-gold light spheres in the starry sky gave him a feeling that surpassed even that of a true immortal!
"It shouldn't be my illusion."
"Even if there are some errors, the specifications of this fishing pond must be extremely high."
A gleam of light flashed in Ji Shaoli's eyes.
He also recalled the rumors he had heard before.
In the ancient Xuanhuang Realm, there were immortal tools.
However, at the time of the great calamity, all the immortal tools, and even the remains of immortals, disappeared altogether.
"Could it be that this fishing pond is a fortunate remnant of an immortal tool?"
"Without any background, but Zhong Shentong, a mere mortal, was able to obtain 'Life and Death Profound Art' and even supernatural powers like the Seven-Colored Divine Light, all because of this fishing pond?"
Ji Shaoli quickly figured out the possible cause and effect.
"This fishing pond is very special. Only those with the mindset of a fisherman can discover it. Perhaps, this is also the reason it has been perfectly preserved until now."
Ji Shaoli's thoughts were varied, and a sense of longing welled up in his heart.
However, his mentality far exceeded that of an ordinary person, and he quickly suppressed his greed.
The number of attempts for today had ended; Ji Shaoli chose not to act recklessly.
Instead, he temporarily retreated.
When the master Zhong Shentong once again returned empty-handed on the third day, Ji Shaoli, in front of the pond, cast out his fishing rod.
Thinking that there might be powers related to the "Immortal" in the fishing pond, his heart inevitably fluctuated.
But perhaps because of this reason, after entering the starry sky for a moment during this fishing session, he was forced to be expelled again.
Ji Shaoli couldn't help but be slightly stunned.
Then he realized, "Does it mean that seekers of treasures and explorers are all prohibited?"
"Only true fishermen can enter the starry sky."
Ji Shaoli, who understood, couldn't help shaking his head.
He could only wait for tomorrow.
At the same time, he adjusted his mentality.
When his inner greed was completely suppressed, Ji Shaoli successfully entered once again.
This time, he cast the rod particularly seriously.
As the fishing line slowly descended, myriads of light spheres surged again.